Sony announced a major firmware update for its popular FX3 (Version 3.00) and FX30 (Version 2.00) cameras. This firmware is significant for both cameras in terms of usability and flexibility on set or when running and gunning.
   

There are three significant updates in this firmware and they are:

• The addition of in-camera de-squeeze capabilities when working with anamorphic lenses,
• 4K DCI option, and,
• True 24p recording.

Up until now, when working with anamorphic lenses, the image in the EVF and LCD would be heavily squeezed, making it difficult to accurately assess how the framing of the shot would appear. Now it is possible to view the image properly, but with some limitations that I’ll mention later.

Before continuing, I would like to highlight 2 basic facts:

The first is that the FX30 and FX3 both have a 3×2 sensor and for video recording, it currently uses the 16×9 portion of it (with this update, it can also use a 17:9 portion of it).

The second is that Sony wanted to allow a very common cinematic viewing workflow, and they chose a fixed 2.39:1 aspect ratio marker.

Based on these 2 facts, with this software update Sony is introducing two de-squeeze modes only: 1.33x and 2x.

In order to activate the new de-squeeze option, all you have to do is navigate to Setup – Display Option– and go to De-Squeeze Display. There you can choose the desired de-squeeze factor according to the lens you are using to get the correct image aspect ratio (1.33x, or 2x).

While de-Squeezing the image to 1.33x is fairly straightforward, when it comes to 2x de-squeeze on a 16×9 portion of the sensor, one will get a very wide viewing mode, so Sony included a “visual border” to simulate a 2.39:1 aspect ratio for easy framing matching, especially when working with cameras that allow open gate recording and the use of 2x squeeze anamorphic lenses.

It is worth mentioning that this new de-squeeze option applies to the camera EVF, LCD, and HDMI output.

What is missing

So currently there are only two de-squeeze options, 1.33x and 2x times, and what we are missing is additional settings for 1.5x, maybe 1.6x, and 1.8x anamorphic lenses. Hopefully, those can be considered by Sony in a future software update.

Limitations when filming with De-Squeeze Mode enabled

It is worth noting that there are some limitations when enabling the de-squeeze mode. For example, one CANNOT film in S-Cinetone. Only the Log picture profile is supported, so for someone who wants to experiment and film with anamorphic lenses without implementing post-color correction, this new viewing option is not possible.

Next is autofocus and stabilisation. Both are disabled and on top; you cannot assign a custom button to activate or deactivate this de-squeeze viewing mode.

Next is recording in 4K DCI mode, which is great to have when filming content that will be projected in theatres.

This brings us to the next enhancement, which is a true 24p recording. That will go hand in hand with filming in 4K DCI, next to the help provided when filming for projects that require some visual effects.

FW update – Summarize

With this update, it seems as if Sony is catering to those who are using their higher-end cameras like the Venice, Venice 2, and FX models, making the FX3 or FX30 perfect B cameras on larger-scale productions. For us independent filmmakers, I would have loved to see additional de-squeeze options, especially as lately we are enjoying a greater selection of budget-friendly anamorphic lenses.

Additional software enhancements

Sony did not stop here, and next to the updates mentioned above, they also included:

Breathing compensation function on the FX3

S&Q modes can now be switched via the press of a custom button

Camera ID and reel number are in the same file format as Sony’s high-end cameras for greater workflow effectiveness.

Sony’s Creators’ App (and Cloud)

With this firmware update, the Creators’ App will be compatible with the FX3 and FX30 to allow wireless remote control of the camera and the connection to the Creators’ Cloud. So basically, it will be possible to use the new App instead of the “Imaging Edge Mobile” one.

Using the Creators’s App will allow improved connection and stability between the camera and smartphone next to monitoring the camera battery and media status. The Creator’s App also provides a convenient way to update the camera software.

The latest firmware for those cameras can be downloaded for free here for the FX3 and here for the FX30.